Rovers prop could miss rest of season

Featherstone Rovers hope to have Tim Spears and Jonny Hepworth back after injury for Sunday’s home game against Workington but Anthony England could miss the rest of the season.

Prop England had an operation this week after damaging his shoulder in the win at Leigh Centurions earlier this month.

“Anthony might be out for the rest of the season so it’s a big blow,” said Rovers coach Ryan Sheridan.

“He had a slight dislocation in the shoulder but within that they found a tear. He’s been fantastic for us and one of our stand-out players. It lightens us a bit without a doubt.

“Tim Spears should be in contention for this Sunday and Jonny Hepworth should be there or thereabouts so it would be nice to get some bodies back.”

Sheridan handed a first-team debut to young prop Jake Joint in last weekend’s win at Barrow.

“Jake had a good solid game for us,” said Sheridan.

“It was pleasing to be able to call on a young player like that and for him to stand the test. I’ve had him training with us so he been around us. That stood him in good stead because he was aware of our systems and what we were looking to play like.

“It was a good lead in for him. It was probably a bit of a shock to him to be called up - we’d one or two late calls - but he handled it really well.”

Sheridan was delighted with Sunday’s performance at New Craven Park when Rovers ran in 11 tries.

“I was very pleased for the lads and there were a lot of good performances,” he said.

“To go up there and score 60 points is a great achievement. I can’t remember the last time anyone did that.

“It was a good display in really blustery conditions. I thought we were excellent in terms of our skill.

“We were consistent in both attack and defence and I thought we adapted to the conditions really well.